CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by FL Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Licensing in Florida

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, middle school in Florida, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Florida

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  2. 2

    Reading Endorsement Competencies.

  3. 3

    (1) The competencies and indicators required for approval of educator preparation programs pursuant to Rule 6A-5.066, F.A.C., and for district in-service add-on programs pursuant to Section 1012.575, F.S., for certification in the Reading Endorsement, are contained in the publication, Reading Endorsement Competencies 2011, (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-00556) which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule.

  4. 4

    Copies of the Reading Endorsement Competencies 2011 may be obtained by contacting Just Read, Florida!, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 1432, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, or from the website at http://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/reading-endorsement.stml.

  5. 5

    (2) Following the review of existing subject coverage or endorsement requirements required by Section 1012.586, F.S., in 2018, reading endorsement programs shall continue to use the 2011 Reading Endorsement Competencies.

  6. 6

    (3) District reading endorsement in-service add-on programs must be resubmitted for review and approval per Section 1012.586, F.S., in a format provided by the department.

  7. 7

    Educators who have completed one or more competencies prior to July 1, 2020, in a previously approved add-on program will not be required to retake competencies in the newly approved district in-service add-on program in order to earn their reading endorsement.

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification in the Reading Endorsement, are contained in the publication, Reading Endorsement Competencies 2011, (http://www

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    FL Department of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,410 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites ((1) The competencies and indicators required for approval of educator preparation programs pursuant to Rule 6A-5.066, F.A.C., and for dis...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Copies of the Reading Endorsement Competencies 2011 may be obtained by contacting Just Read, Florida!, Department of Education, 325 West...).
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation ((1) The competencies and indicators required for approval of educator preparation programs pursuant to Rule 6A-5.066, F.A.C., and for dis...).
  5. 5. Submit the application to FL Department of Education~Bureau of Teacher Certification and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Florida

With a median salary of $59,410, Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Florida earn 8% below the national median of $64,880. Florida ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,330

Median annual salary

$59,410

Hourly estimate

$28.56
8% below national median

Difference: -$5,470

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,010
  • P2525th percentile$50,590
  • P50Median$59,410
  • P7575th percentile$62,850
  • P9090th percentile$76,570

State vs National Median

State: $59,410
National: $64,880

Total employment: 2,090 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Ranking

#34 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Middle School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$99,270
#2Washington$95,440
#3New York$91,280
#4Rhode Island$89,840
#5Massachusetts$85,020

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Florida$59,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Georgia$67,710Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$60,760Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Florida78HighBoard-specific review required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

FL Department of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification

325 W Gaines Street, Ste 201 Turlington Bldg., Tallahassee, Fl, 32399-0400

Phone: 8502450505

Related Careers in Florida

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$64,840Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83,740Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$75,330Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,020Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Florida?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Florida is $59,410. Salaries range from $49,010 (10th percentile) to $76,570 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Florida compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Florida earn 8% below the national median of $64,880, with a state median of $59,410.

How many Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 2,090 Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Middle School license to Florida from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Florida?

The licensing agency is FL Department of Education / Bureau of Teacher Certification. Review agency details at https://www.firn.edu/doe/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Middle School license in Florida?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.